Flexible extension for socket wrenches of ratchet type



FLEXI BLE EXTENSION FOR SOCKET WRENCHES OF RATCHET TYPE Filed Sept. 21, 1967 fie LEw/ck/ aired rates atent FLEXIBLE EXTENSEON FOR SOCKET WRENCHES OF RATCHET TYPE Artur Lewicki, Via Moosontee, Ontario, Canada (Cote des Neiges, Queen Mary Eds. 5199, Bank of Montreai,

dentreai, Qaebec, Canada) Filed Sept. 21, 1967, Ser. No. 669,666 3 Claims. (Cl. 811-477) ABSTRAUE' OF THE DISCLOSURE An extension for a socket wrench, the extension comprising a flexible shaft comprised of a coil-spring housing enclosing a row of spherical ballbearings interconnected by joint bearings therebetween.

This invention relates generally to extensions for socket wrenches.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide a flexible extension for socket wrenches of ratchet type and which can be used for all kinds of tools such as screwdrivers, and drills which are to be used in places that are hard to reach.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible extension for socket wrenches of ratchet type which include a flexible body comprised of spherical ballbearings and joint bearings therebetween which are enclosed within a coil-spring housing.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a flexible extension for socket Wrenches of ratchet type which is adaptable for receiving a ratchet handle at one end thereof and for receiving a socket at the other end for supporting various kinds of working tools such as screwdriver, drills, taps and the like.

Other objects of the present invention are to provide a flexible extension for socket wrenches of the ratchet type which is simple in design, inexpensive to manufacture, rugged in construction, easy to use and efficient in operation.

These and other objects will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and the accompanying drawing wherein:

The sole figure is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, the reference numeral represents a flexible extension for socket wrenches of ratchet type according to the present invention, wherein there is a main coil spring 11 that forms a housing for a plurality of spaced apart spherical ballbearings 12 located within the tubular interior 13 of the main coil spring 11, the spherical ballbearings 12 being spaced apart by means of joint bearings 14. Between each of the spherical ballbearings 12 there is a seat 15 that carries the joint bearing 14, the seat being permanently lubricated.

The joint bearing 14 comprises a generally flat element received at its opposite ends Within openings 16 formed in each of the spherical ballbearings, the openings 16 being of a configuration to allow movement of the joint bearing therewithin. Thus the row of ballbearings 12 may be curved into various shapes by allowing the joint hearing to be displaced into different portions of the opening 16. It is to be noted that the opening 16 are relatively narrow at the surface of the spherical ballbearing so as to grasp the opposite sides of the joint bearing whereas the inner Wall of the opening is of arcuate canfiguration so as to allow swinging movement of the joint bearing ice therewithin so as to assume the various positions indicated in the drawing. The seat 15 is supported within an appropriate ring configurated spacer 17 fitted between the seat and the coil spring 11. This spacer may be of any material as preferred and may comprise rubber or the like.

At one end of the flexible extension there is a support 18 for the purpose of receiving a ratchet handle 19, having a handle extension 20. At the opposite end of the flexible extension, there is a socket 21 secured upon a support 22 firmly attached by means of a fastener 23 over the first few turns 24 of the coil spring 11. The socket 21 is adapted to receive various kind of tools such as screwdrivers, drills, taps or the like.

In operative use, as is shown in the drawing, the flexible extension may be bent to form any of various shapes so as to allow introduction of the extension into readily inaccessible places and around protruding objects thus allowing the tool to be used in diflicult to reach places.

While various changes may be made in the detailed construction, it is understood that such changes will be within the spirit and scope of the present invention as is defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a flexible extension for socket Wrenches of ratchet type, the combination of a coil spring housing of elongated character, said coil spring housing having a tubular central opening therethrough, a plurality of spherical ball bearings within said central opening of said coil spring, said spherical ball bearings being spaced apart by means of joint bearings carried within seats, and one end of said flexible extension having a socket wrench handle of ratchet type secured thereto, the opposite end of said flexible extension having a socket secured thereto for receiving selectively various kinds of tools such as screwdrivers, drills, taps or the like, each of said seats comprising a circular member support within a ring configurated spacer located between said seat and said coil spring, said spacer being of any material such as rubber or the like, each of said joint bearings comprising a flat member pivotally carried within said seat, the ends of said joint bearing being received Within openings in said spherical ball bearings, each of said openings being adaptable to allow pivotal motion relative to said spherical ball bearings and said joint bearings.

2. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein each said opening within said spherical ballbearing comprises a narrow throat at the surface thereof for receiving said joint bearing therethrough, said opening being enlarged upon its inner side to allow pivotal movement of said end of said joint bearing therewithin.

3. The combination as set forth in claim 2 wherein said socket is fitted upon a support that is secured by means of fasteners extending around the end turns of said coil spring housing thus securing said support rigidly thereto.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,138,847 5/1915 Cudoszki. 2,709,070 5/ 1955 Bielstein 642 FOREIGN PATENTS 611,367 3/1935 Germany. 736,447 6/ 1943 Germany. 217,368 6/ 1924 Great Britain.

MILTON S. MEHR, Primary Examiner. 

